Bruce Garrioch, QMI Agency

DETROIT — The only sign of Daniel Alfredsson Saturday night at the Joe Louis Arena was in the form of the Bobblehead handed out to the first 7,500 fans into the building.

He really wished he could have been on the ice.

But worry not Senators fans, the former Ottawa captain told reporters he'll be in attendance and back on the ice in time for next Sunday's return visit to the Canadian Tire Centre for the first time since he signed with the Wings in the summer.

Alfredsson, 41, won't be alone, either. Wife Bibi along with the couple's four children will make the trek to Ottawa to be part of what should be a special night.

A group of Ottawa fans were chanting 'Alfie, Alfie, Alfie' at 11:11 of each period at The Joe.

"It's been on my mind," said Alfredsson after he was the last player off the ice Saturday. "It's only a week away."

Troubled by a groin injury, Alfredsson, who had back issues in camp, wanted to play against Ottawa but he's been told to ta